KOLKATA: The state government will start renovating the Gandhi Bhavan at Beliaghata and set up a mega gate at its entrance to commemorate Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary. A state PWD official said that for the renovation project, they have started the tendering process in end-January and the work was expected to be completed within May.Earlier in 2018, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had visited Gandhi Bhavan, where Gandhiji had stayed in August 1947, and wanted proper renovation of the property. Gandhiji had preferred to stay at the house in Beliaghata as Kolkata was witnessing riots then. The house was then known as Hyderi Manjil . Gandhiji had stayed here for 25 days — between August and September 1947 — in phases. The house has already been taken over by the state government.Already, the state government is setting up mega gates at various places, including Kalighat temple and SSKM hospital. A similar gate will come up at Gandhi Bhavan, an official said.Sources said that Gandhiji had started living at the house from August 13, when the riots were still on in Kolkata. “As the riots continued unabated, he started an indefinite hunger strike from August 31. Considering all this, the chief minister wants to highlight the importance of this house to the younger generation and plans to make it a must-visit spot for the students,” the Nabanna official added.The PWD official said that they had planned a thorough renovation, as Gopal Krishna Gandhi, the former governor and grandson of Gandhiji, had also pointed out that the historic house needed better maintenance. The Gandhi Bhavan also houses a museum with exhibits like a spinning wheel and some personal belongings of Gandhiji, including a pocket watch used by him. His slippers and some photographs are also on display.However, some cracks are already developing on the walls, for which proper maintenance is needed, another official said. He said that around Rs 50 lakh would be spent for the work.Bengal government wants to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji in a grand manner and the CM has already declared the setting up of Gandhi University at Tamluk. “Repairs of the roof and the building will be the main focus of the project. Special thrust will also be given on illuminating the building to make it a tourist spot. It was never promoted as a tourist spot,” added the official.

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